Burning of Brown Memorial May Have Renewed Violence

FERGUSON, Mo. (CN) – Violence among those protesting the death of Michael Brown once again broke out Tuesday night, in possible reaction to the burning of a memorial for the slain teen. Windows were smashed at one store and a fire may have been set at another, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Rock and bricks were thrown at police at one point. At least three people were arrested. Early Wednesday, shots were heard in the area after the police had blocked off West Florissant Avenue and the entrance to the Canfield Apartments where Brown was slain. No one was reported hit, the Post-Dispatch reported. It’s not clear what sparked the violence after weeks of calmer protests. The last widespread violence was Aug. 19. But the spark could have come earlier Tuesday as one of two memorials dedicated to Brown burned between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Police said the matter is still under investigation. Though the memorial had included burning candles, Brown supporters told the Post-Dispatch that they believe the fire was intentionally set. Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old black man, was gunned down by white Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9. Brown supporters claim he was giving himself up when he was shot several times. They want Wilson arrested and charged with murder. A St. Louis grand jury is currently reviewing evidence to decide whether to indict Wilson criminally. Brown’s death touched off daily protests that are going on their seventh week. Aside from taking to the Ferguson streets, protestors have disrupted a St. Louis County Council meeting and were a presence at the Sept. 21 Cardinals game.